The Ultimate Guide to Earrings
by Werneri Grundström
·12 minutes
Discover a world where the captivating beauty of the North converges with global elegance and sophistication. In this comprehensive guide, you'll unlock the closely-guarded secrets to choosing the perfect earrings that truly resonate with your style. Let yourself be inspired by the serene landscapes, icy fjords, and rich cultural traditions of the Nordic region. Welcome to Nobbier's Ultimate Guide to Earrings, a treasure trove of knowledge designed to elevate your understanding and appreciation of this timeless form of adornment.
Types of Earrings
Before embarking on the journey to find the perfect pair of earrings, it's crucial to understand the diverse vocabulary that defines this beautiful world. From classic stud earrings to the grandeur of statement pieces, the range is as extensive as it is captivating. Let's dive into the intricacies of these different earring styles to help you make an informed decision that echoes your unique taste and lifestyle.
Stud Earrings
Stud earrings serve as the bedrock in the world of earrings. These are single gemstones, beads, or designs that sit directly on the earlobe. Studs provide a neat, polished look that's both timeless and versatile. When we talk about diamond stud earrings or pearl earrings, we're often referring to stud designs. They are the epitome of subtlety, capable of adding a dash of sophistication whether you're at the office or attending a formal event. The simplicity of studs makes them a must-have, and they also serve as excellent earrings for girls who are getting their first pair.
Drop and Dangle Earrings
While studs are the embodiment of simplicity, drop and dangle earrings represent the flair and drama in the earring world. As the names suggest, these earrings 'drop' below the earlobe and often 'dangle' with every movement. Our collection features a range of styles from elegant drop earrings to more elaborate crystal chandelier earrings. These pieces are perfect for adding an element of grandeur to any ensemble, making them ideal choices for special occasions like weddings or galas.
Hoop Earrings
Hoop earrings are the rebels in the earring lexicon. Their design is simple—a circle or semi-circle that passes through the earlobe—but their impact is anything but. Available in a variety of materials, including gold hoop earrings and platinum hoop earrings, hoop earrings can be modestly small or daringly large. They carry a sense of youthful energy and freedom, making them popular choices for both casual and formal outfits.
Ear Cuffs
Ear cuffs are for those who love to venture off the beaten path. These pieces wrap around the cartilage of the ear, providing an edgy, modern aesthetic. The best part? No piercing is required, making them a versatile choice for earring enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Ear cuffs come in various designs, from simple bands to more intricate pieces adorned with gemstones or intricate metalwork.
Statement Earrings
When you want your earrings to do the talking, statement pieces are the way to go. These are often oversized or come with intricate details that are impossible to ignore. From our statement chandelier earrings to more thematic designs like wedding earrings, statement earrings are perfect for those moments when you want to stand out in a crowd.
Gold vs Platinum Earrings
Dive into the world of Nobbier, where we offer you a stunning collection of both 18k gold and platinum earrings. Each material has its unique attributes, making them the perfect choice for different occasions, outfits, and personalities. Let's explore the nuances of these two luxurious options.
The Warmth of Gold Earrings
Gold has been cherished for millennia, symbolizing wealth, power, and beauty. Our 18k gold earrings embody these age-old qualities while incorporating modern Scandinavian design.
Reasons to Choose Gold:
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Versatility: Gold earrings are remarkably adaptable, easily transitioning from day to night and from casual to formal settings.
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Color Palette: The warm, radiant hues of gold pair excellently with a broad spectrum of skin tones, offering an instantly flattering look.
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Classic Appeal: The timeless nature of gold makes it a perfect investment piece, suitable for heirloom status to be treasured by future generations.
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Ease of Maintenance: Gold is relatively easy to care for, requiring just a gentle cleaning to maintain its luster.
The Modern Elegance of Platinum Earrings
Platinum is a modern-day marvel, offering a silvery-white sheen and exceptional durability. It's the ideal choice for those seeking a chic, current look without compromising on longevity.
Reasons to Opt for Platinum:
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Durability: Platinum’s density makes it extraordinarily resistant to wear, ensuring your earrings look as impeccable as the day you bought them.
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Hypoallergenic Properties: Platinum is an excellent choice for those with sensitive skin, as it is less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to other metals.
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Luxury and Rarity: Platinum is rarer than gold, adding an extra layer of exclusivity and luxury to your style.
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Color Stability: Unlike other metals that may tarnish or corrode, platinum retains its color over time, requiring less maintenance.
The Final Verdict
Whether it's the eternal warmth of gold or the modern resilience of platinum, each material offers unique benefits and aesthetic appeals. Your choice will hinge on various factors such as your personal style, the occasion, and your existing wardrobe.
Choosing the Right Earrings for Your Face Shape
Selecting the right earrings is not just about personal taste or the occasion; your face shape plays a significant role too. The right pair can accentuate your best features, while the wrong one might do just the opposite. Let's delve into how you can pick earrings that flatter your face shape, enhance your natural beauty, and perfectly align with your Nobbier collection.
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Round Face: If your face is round, elongation is your best friend. Drop and dangle earrings can work wonders in extending the visual lines of your face. Styles that draw the eye downward will add a slimming, lengthening effect to the natural roundness of your face. While drop and dangle earrings are excellent choices, it's best to steer clear of large, chunky circular earrings and hoops, as they can emphasize the roundness of your face and make it appear even fuller.
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Square Face: For those with a square face characterized by a broad forehead and a strong jawline, hoop or circular shapes are your go-to styles. These shapes provide a softening contrast to the angular characteristics of a square face. Although it might seem tempting, square and rectangular earrings should be avoided. They only serve to highlight the square shape of your face.
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Oval Face: An oval face shape offers the most versatility in earring styles. Whether you prefer studs, drops, or hoops, almost anything goes. However, oval-shaped designs are particularly flattering as they maintain the natural balance of an oval face. Stylists often consider the oval face shape as the most universal for accessorizing, offering the widest range of options.
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Heart-Shaped Face: With a wider forehead and a narrow chin, a heart-shaped face calls for earrings that balance out these proportions. Styles that are wider at the bottom, such as chandeliers or tear-drop earrings, can help add width around the jawline, effectively balancing the face. Tear-drop and triangle shapes are also an excellent choice, as they provide the widening effect that complements a heart-shaped face.
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Diamond-Shaped Face: If your face is diamond-shaped, with cheekbones as the widest part, you should look for earrings that offer both curves and straight lines. Hoop earrings can be especially flattering, as they complement the cheekbones beautifully. For a special occasion or an evening out, consider statement pieces that accentuate those striking cheekbones.
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Long, Narrow Face: For faces that are more elongated, the aim should be to add width. Short dangle earrings, medium to large-sized hoops, and clustered designs are your best options for achieving this. Even studs with large gems or details can work wonders. Long, dangly earrings are best avoided, as they can elongate your face even more, which is the opposite of what you're trying to achieve.
How to Care for Your Earrings
When you invest in a piece of jewelry from Nobbier, you're not just acquiring a beautiful accessory; you're also embracing a piece of art inspired by the Northern landscapes and craftsmanship. The care you give to these precious pieces directly impacts their longevity and luster. Here's our comprehensive guide to keeping your earrings—whether they're gold, platinum, or encrusted with precious stones—in impeccable condition.
The Importance of Proper Storage
The first and perhaps most crucial step in maintaining the allure of your earrings is their proper storage. At Nobbier, we understand that each piece you choose from our collection is more than just an accessory; it's an investment in your personal style. That's why every Nobbier earring comes meticulously packaged in an exclusive gift box, designed with both aesthetic appeal and protective functionality in mind.
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Individual Compartments for Each Pair: One of the key features of the Nobbier gift box is its individual compartments, which help you segregate each pair of earrings. This is especially important for those delicate pieces that are prone to scratching or tangling with others. By keeping each pair in its own space, you prevent the earrings from scratching against each other, thereby maintaining their original luster and integrity.
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Humidity and Temperature Control: It's not just about where you store your earrings, but also the conditions under which they are stored. Excessive humidity can cause certain metals to tarnish, while extreme temperatures can be detrimental to gemstones. To avoid these issues, always store your earrings in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
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Orientation Matters: Believe it or not, the way your earrings sit in their storage box can impact their longevity. For drop or dangle earrings, ensure they are hanging or lying flat to maintain their shape. Studs should be fastened securely in their compartments, and hoops should be unclasped to relieve tension on the closure.
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Away from Chemicals: Make sure to store your earrings away from chemicals like perfumes, cleaning agents, and makeup. Exposure to such substances can tarnish the metal and dull the shine of gemstones over time.
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Security Measures: If you own pieces that are exceptionally valuable, either in terms of monetary value or sentimental worth, consider storing them in a safe or a secured drawer.
Know When to Remove Your Earrings
It may seem counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to ensure the longevity of your exquisite earrings is to know when not to wear them. While the allure of your Nobbier earrings might make you want to sport them all day, every day, certain activities and situations call for their temporary removal. Here are some extended scenarios where it's wise to part with your treasured pieces temporarily.
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During Physical Exercise: When you hit the gym or engage in any form of exercise, sweat is inevitable. The salt in your sweat can be corrosive and may tarnish the metal of your earrings, be it gold or platinum. In addition, the physical movement can lead to accidental snags, particularly with dangle earrings or hoop earrings, which could not only damage the earrings but also cause potential injury to your ears.
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During Beauty Routines: If you're about to apply makeup, moisturizer, or any skincare products, remember that lotions and creams can get trapped in the crevices of intricate earrings, causing a buildup of residue. Similarly, perfumes and hairsprays contain chemicals that can tarnish or discolor your earrings over time.
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At Bedtime: While the comfort level of sleeping with earrings depends on the type (you're more likely to sleep comfortably in stud earrings than in chandelier earrings), it's generally advisable to remove them before you hit the sack. Tossing and turning could lead to your earrings getting caught in the bedding, causing them to bend or break. Moreover, prolonged pressure against the earring back can lead to discomfort or even potential infection.
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While Swimming or Bathing: Chlorine in swimming pools and minerals in natural water bodies can be harsh on metals and stones alike. Even during a shower or bath, soap and shampoo can leave a residue on your earrings, diminishing their shine and potentially causing buildup in any settings or crevices.
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During Household Chores: Activities such as gardening, cleaning, or any other task that involves the use of chemicals or dirt, should be done without your earrings. Household cleaners contain chemicals that can tarnish or corrode the metal, and dirt can get trapped in the settings.
The Essentiality of Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning is the cornerstone of maintaining the luster and beauty of your Nobbier earrings. Over time, factors like natural skin oils, makeup, and even air pollution can accumulate on your jewelry, diminishing its sparkle.
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Basic Cleaning: Using a mixture of mild soap and lukewarm water is usually sufficient for most earrings. Gently dip a soft cloth into the solution and wipe the earrings, paying attention to crevices and intricate details. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid water spots.
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Diamonds and Gemstones: For earrings with more complex designs or adorned with diamonds and gemstones, a soft-bristled toothbrush can be your best friend. Lightly scrub the nooks and crannies to remove any buildup. Always remember to support the back of the earring to prevent any potential loosening of the setting.
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Pearl Maintenance: Pearls require special care due to their porous nature. A damp cloth works best for cleaning pearls; avoid submerging them in water as it can weaken the setting adhesive. After cleaning, allow the pearls to air dry completely before storing them.
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Specialized Cleaners: While soap and water work for most earrings, some materials might require specialized cleaners. Always check the care instructions specific to your earrings. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can tarnish metals and cloud gemstones.
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Frequency: Regular cleaning doesn't mean daily cleaning. Depending on how often you wear your earrings, a bi-weekly or monthly cleaning may suffice. However, earrings worn daily may require more frequent care.
Seasonal Checks and Repairs
The changing seasons aren't just a cue to switch up your wardrobe but also an opportune time to examine your earrings for any signs of wear and tear. Over time, clasps may loosen, and gemstones might wobble in their settings. Taking the time for a seasonal check-up can prevent minor issues from turning into significant problems. If you notice any loosening or other signs of wear, it's advisable to bring your earrings for professional inspection and minor repairs, ensuring your pieces remain as captivating as ever.
Earrings as Gifts
When it comes to gifting, earrings are more than just an accessory; they are a timeless symbol of love, friendship, and appreciation. Nobbier brings you a curated collection, carefully crafted to serve as the perfect gift for those special moments in life.
Why Earrings Make Great Gifts:
Versatility
Earrings are a versatile gifting option, suitable for a wide range of personalities and occasions. Whether your loved one is a fan of classic styles or more modern aesthetics, there's something for everyone. Our collections offer an abundant choice, from the rich warmth of 18k gold earrings to the sleek elegance of platinum earrings. No matter what the preference, a pair of Nobbier earrings can accentuate one's individuality with grace.
Timelessness
Earrings possess a timeless quality that few other gifts can match. Take, for example, the eternal charm of diamond stud earrings or the classic allure of pearl drop earrings. These pieces don't just serve as beautiful accessories; they also act as lasting reminders of special moments, eternally preserved in their sparkle and luster.
Personal Touch
The beauty of gifting earrings lies in the personal touch that accompanies this intimate form of jewelry. You can customize your gift by taking into account the recipient's lifestyle, fashion preferences, and even the types of events they usually attend. This thoughtful approach turns the gift into a unique representation of your appreciation for them.
Earring Gifts for All Events
Birthday
The gift of gemstone earrings featuring the birthstone of the birthday month adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness and personalization. It's not just a gift; it's a celebration of the individual, making them feel truly special on their day.
Anniversary
Anniversaries are milestones that deserve to be celebrated with something as enduring as your love. Diamond earrings for women can serve as a sparkling testament to the years gone by and the many more to come. It's like saying "I love you" over and over again, each time they wear them.
Wedding
For weddings, the choice of earrings goes beyond mere fashion. A pair of exquisite bridal earrings can serve as a cherished keepsake of the most important day in one's life. It’s a piece of jewelry that will not only complete the bridal look but also serve as a lasting memory of a day filled with love and joy.
Conclusion
In the captivating world of Nobbier, choosing the perfect pair of earrings becomes more than just a purchase—it's an experience. Whether you're seeking the timeless grace of gold studs, the avant-garde allure of platinum hoops, or the statement-making power of chandelier pieces, our ultimate guide has covered every facet to help you make an informed choice.
